Garry Gergich, also known as Jerry, Larry or Terry, is a fictional character in the TV series Parks and Recreation, portrayed by Jim O'Heir. The character has appeared in every episode of the series, with the exception of the first-season episode "Canvassing". He was credited as a recurring character for the first two seasons, but was promoted to the main cast beginning with season three. He first appeared in the opening credits/theme alongside Retta, who portrayed Donna Meagle, in the season six episode "Anniversaries", following the departures of cast members Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe. Jerry's real name is Garry, but he is referred to as Jerry for the first five seasons (for which reason the character is usually referred to by this name in external media). In the last two seasons — as a running joke — the name other characters call him changes, initially to Larry, then to Terry, before finally settling on Garry, with most characters unaware that this is his actual name. Overview Garry Gergich, born February 29, 1948 (as mentioned in the season 4 episode "Sweet Sixteen"), is a longstanding employee of the Department of Parks and Recreation who is nearing retirement and is a married father of three girls. He first speaks in the Season 1 episode, "The Reporter". His job performance is middling and unspectacular, he places more importance on his happy home life. Jerry is content to do simple, repetitive tasks. His surname was first mentioned in the episode "Park Safety". He is often the butt of jokes and is frequently mocked by his co-workers, with his most frequent detractors being Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari) and April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza). Although he never joins in the teasing, Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) describes Jerry as someone who "shrivels up when you shine a light on him," insisting Jerry does his best work alone. Ron also describes Jerry as both the "schlemiel," and the "schlemazel," of the office, meaning that, at a fancy dinner party, he would be both the person who spills soup and the person upon whom the soup is spilled. Despite this, he is overwhelmingly kind and warm-hearted toward his friends in the Parks Department. While attempting to avoid getting involved in an office competition to dig up dirt on fellow employees, Pawnee PD Officer David Sanderson (Louis C.K.) embarrasses Jerry by telling those present in the Parks office that Jerry